Nike Inc. is allowing seven of its sponsored athletes to wear Speedo's record-breaking swimsuit, LZR Racer, at the upcoming U.S. Olympic trials starting June 29. A company spokesman, Derek Kent, told The Oregonian, “Nike exists to serve athletes. It's a limited exception to allow swimmers to experiment with other products to satisfy their curiosity and compete without distractions.”
Since the February launch of Speedo's sleek LZR Racer, swimmers wearing the suit have broken 38 world records. The results have prompted a clamoring by non-Speedo-sponsored athletes to be allowed to wear the swimsuit.
Tyr Sport Inc. sued Speedo in May, alleging that Speedo conspired with the U.S. swimming federation to stifle competition and lure top athletes away from other sponsors. In recent months, other manufacturers have redesigned their suits to placate their athletes before the Olympic games starting Aug. 8 in Beijing. Last week, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) approved suits redesigned by Adidas AG, Arena Italia and Mizuno Corp.
